Thanks, gang. Saw the post on Texas wines but couldn't add much. They're a sorry lot, for the most part... over-priced, over-oaked, and over-hyped. Usually run as tax dodges by people who've made good livings by other means. They still have a long way to go to match the QPR available from other regions.

The pour I received of the Lagavulin was about 4 oz... undiluted, no ice, just unadulterated firewater. The young buck who provided it is a lawyer, and has been a member of the Scottish national fencing team (as has his wife, our former exchange student). At 6'4" and 275 lb, Rory is probably a formidable opponent.... with a hollow leg. Really a fine fellow, but with a quirky taste in whiskey.